09/09/2026
North Shore Veterinary Hospital was founded in 1931 on Vernon Valley Road in Northport by Dr. Arthur Fredericks, upon his graduation from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. He spent his early years as a farm veterinarian, caring for all types of animals, and continued his veterinary career for the next 60 years.
In the early 1930s, people traveled on dirt roads via horse and buggy, penicillin had not yet been invented, old wooden crates were used to house pets, and boarding was only 25 cents a day.
Ninety-five years later we are a three generation Cornell graduate veterinary practice: Dr. Arthur W. Fredericks (Cornell ‘31), Dr. Richard W. Fredericks (Cornell ‘69) and Dr. Russell W. Fredericks (Cornell ‘96).
Pictured in the 1940s: Dr. Arthur Fredericks on the steps at Vernon Valley Road, a dog on the leash beside him, taking an apple from a young client. The sign by the door reads FREDERICKS, D.V.M., hours 1 to 2 and 7 to 8, Sundays and holidays by appointment. The building is now North Shore Animal Center.
